Innovative transitions for highly vulnerable young people in 'out of home' care

Objectives: To demonstrate the positive impact of specialist supported housing on highly vulnerable young people with deeply entrenched patterns of self destructive behaviour, who are leaving residential care. To enhance... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: To demonstrate the positive impact of specialist supported housing on highly vulnerable young people with deeply entrenched patterns of self destructive behaviour, who are leaving residential care. To enhance understanding of how transition services can work to stabilise these behaviours and create an opportunity to increase self esteem, raise aspirations and increase the chance of successful adulthood for young people who have experienced trauma and displacement in their lives.

Method: George Street is a specialist supported housing scheme for 8 highly vulnerable people leaving care. Its team of highly trained staff work creatively with young people using a variety of engagement methods and experiential activities to increase aspirations and address behaviours. Using engagement summaries, outcome stars and internal monitoring Solas collated evidence to demonstrate positive impacts this service has had on young people accessing the scheme and transitioning into independence.

Results: 100% of young people supported have accessed engagement activities on site .
60% reporting increase in confidence of self esteem;
25% reporting raised aspirations;
80% showing a reduction in ASB or Offending Behaviour;
75% showing a reduction in self harm based on young people who reported self harming behaviour at commencement of placement;
80% reporting they are reconnected with their families/friends/local area.

Conclusions: Specialist transition placements increase the number of positive outcomes for highly vulnerable young people leaving care. Intensive support in skills for independent living and support to address behaviours can increase a young person's chance of successfully maintaining a tenancy and transitioning from 'out of home' care.